CHARACTER STUDY OF MORDECAI – ESTHER’S COUSIN AND MENTOR
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Esther 10:3
"For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed."
Supporting Texts:
Esther 2:5-7, Esther 3:1-6, Esther 4:13-14, Esther 6:6-11, Esther 8:1-2
INTRODUCTION
Mordecai was a Jewish exile in Persia and the adoptive father of Esther. He played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from destruction.
Through wisdom, faithfulness, and courage, Mordecai resisted Haman’s evil schemes and eventually rose to a position of great authority in the Persian Empire.
His story teaches us about God’s providence, standing for righteousness, and the rewards of faithfulness.
1. MORDECAI’S BACKGROUND AND CHARACTER
a) He was a Jew living in exile (Esther 2:5-6)
He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin and was taken to Persia during the Babylonian captivity.
b) He raised Esther as his own daughter (Esther 2:7)
He showed love and responsibility in caring for her.
c) He was a man of integrity and loyalty (Esther 2:21-23)
He exposed a plot against King Ahasuerus.
d) He was bold in his faith (Esther 3:2)
He refused to bow to Haman, standing firm in his convictions.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel also maintained his faith in exile (Daniel 6:10).
2. MORDECAI’S CONFLICT WITH HAMAN
a) Haman was promoted, but Mordecai refused to bow (Esther 3:1-2)
This angered Haman and led to a plot against the Jews.
b) Haman sought to destroy all Jews because of Mordecai (Esther 3:5-6)
The enemy often targets God's people for standing for righteousness.
c) Mordecai urged Esther to intervene for her people (Esther 4:13-14)
He reminded her that she was positioned for such a time as this.
d) He led the Jews in fasting and prayer (Esther 4:16)
Spiritual warfare preceded their victory.
e) Biblical Example: Moses also stood against Pharaoh to deliver God’s people (Exodus 5:1-2).
3. MORDECAI’S HONOUR AND PROMOTION
a) The king could not sleep and remembered Mordecai’s act of loyalty (Esther 6:1-2)
God’s timing for promotion is always perfect.
b) Haman was forced to honour Mordecai (Esther 6:6-11)
The enemy will be humiliated before those who stand for righteousness.
c) Mordecai was given Haman’s position (Esther 8:1-2)
Faithfulness leads to divine elevation.
d) He became second in command in Persia (Esther 10:3)
God rewards those who stand for His people.
e) Biblical Example: Joseph was also elevated from the prison to the palace (Genesis 41:41-44).
4. STRENGTHS OF MORDECAI
a) He was a loving and responsible guardian (Esther 2:7)
He raised Esther with wisdom and care.
b) He was faithful and loyal (Esther 2:21-23)
He exposed the plot against the king, showing integrity.
c) He was courageous and stood for his faith (Esther 3:2)
He did not compromise his belief in God.
d) He was a man of wisdom and influence (Esther 4:13-14)
He guided Esther in making the right decision.
e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also showed wisdom and leadership in a foreign land (Nehemiah 2:2-5).
5. THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT MORDECAI
a) His refusal to bow to Haman put the Jews at risk (Esther 3:5-6)
His personal conviction led to a national crisis.
b) He initially depended on Esther instead of seeking God first (Esther 4:8)
He sent Esther to plead with the king before calling for a fast.
c) He did not prevent Esther from hiding her Jewish identity (Esther 2:10)
Fear of discrimination led to unnecessary secrecy.
d) His actions led to the decree of Jewish destruction (Esther 3:6-9)
Sometimes standing for faith invites opposition.
e) Biblical Example: Peter’s actions led to Jesus’ arrest when he cut off Malchus’ ear (John 18:10).
6. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF MORDECAI
a) God rewards faithfulness in due time (Galatians 6:9)
Mordecai was honoured when the time was right.
b) One person's faith can influence an entire generation (Proverbs 29:2)
His stand against Haman saved the Jews.
c) Spiritual battles require prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21)
The Jews’ victory was preceded by fasting.
d) Promotion comes from God, not man (Psalm 75:6-7)
Mordecai was lifted above his enemies.
e) Biblical Example: David was also elevated from a shepherd boy to a king (1 Samuel 16:11-13).
CONCLUSION
Mordecai’s life teaches us about faithfulness, courage, and divine promotion. Though he faced opposition, he remained steadfast and loyal to God.
His story reminds us that when we stand for righteousness, trust God, and seek His wisdom, He will turn our trials into testimonies.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the boldness to stand for righteousness in difficult times.
2. Father, let every Haman in my life be exposed and disgraced.
3. May I always be positioned for divine favour and promotion.
4. Let my faithfulness be remembered at the appointed time.
5. Lord, use me to influence and impact my generation.
